FIRST-STRING Synonyms: 141 Similar and Opposite Words

first-string

adjective

ˈfərs(t)-ˈstriŋ

Definition of first-string

as in excellent

of the very best kind a first-string rendition of the musical piece

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of first-string If Willis works with the first-string offensive line as expected, he’ll at times be matched up against Chargers interior defensive linemen Teair Tart, Dalvin Tomlinson, Jamaree Caldwell and Justin Eboigbe. — Matt Barrows, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026 There was a moment Tuesday morning during walk-throughs when Barron lined up as first-string nickel. — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 19 Aug. 2026 Defensively, the Falcons played much of their first-string front seven, or at least rotational players, throughout the first half. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 15 Aug. 2026 Burrow and the first-string offensive line played two series, with the franchise quarterback going 5 of 6 for 39 yards. — CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for first-string

Recent Examples of Synonyms for first-string

Adjective

Bold from brown butter and balsamic vinegar and bright from lemon, the crunchy topping is an excellent foil to the sweetness of roasted squash.

— Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Nov. 2026
Their bench even has some guys providing excellent backup options.

— David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of excellent

Adjective

My Daughter is a Zombie is a prime example of the importance of that relationship with fans.

— Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2026
Other prime spots include the south side of 59th Street between Columbus Circle and Sixth Avenue and the entire stretch of Sixth Avenue between 38th and 59th.

— Rachel Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of prime

Adjective

Some of the production’s strongest moments feature this sort of tricky tonal pivot, as when a punkish gamer (a terrific Wren Rivera) is unveiled as the gleeful consultant who selects organ recipients using an algorithm.

— Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2026
At the center is a terrific vocal performance by Hader, who captures the spirit of a Cat in the Hat for a new generation.

— Pete Hammond, Deadline, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of terrific

Adjective

Our research and engineering remain world-class, but our record of getting ideas to market and improving how products are made has been less stellar.

— Rick Lazio, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
The matchup features an intriguing battle on the mound between two stellar starting pitchers.

— OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of stellar

Adjective

La Dame utilizes some ingredients only seen here, such as France’s superb Normandy butter.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026
His ability to capture Haymitch’s warmth and charm and then weave that into the rage and heartbreak the Hunger Games sparks is superb.

— Zack Sharf, Variety, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of superb

Adjective

L3Harris claims its design can deliver greater range and speed than existing systems.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
Tarantino revealed the most personally meaningful piece of casting in a film filled with great performances — including supporting turns by multiple actors (Austin Butler, Mikey Madison, Sydney Sweeney) who have blown up in the seven years since.

— Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of great

Adjective

Their sorrowful slow-dance, at first with the air and then with each other, set to the ensemble evoking the crooning of a record player, is just wonderful.

— Sara Holdren, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2026
There is a wonderful offhand quality to their scenes together.

— Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of wonderful

Browse Nearby Words

first-rateness

first-string

firth

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Style

“First-string.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-string. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of first-string

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

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